Dispensing apparatus



April 2{1935- o. JANSSEN 1,996,156 7 I I DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 23, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet -1 I A ril 2, 1935. o. JANSSEN 1,996,156

DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 23, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 J. w 25 3 w av.

April 2,1935! O.JANSSEN 1,996,156

DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 23, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Apr. .2, 1935 UNITED, STATES PATENT OFFICE,

msransmo. armmrus Oscar Janssen, St. Louis, Mo. Application February 231.3932, Serial No. 594,611

3 Claims.

This invention relates to dispensing apparatus, and with regard to certain more specific features, to an improved dispensing means, preferably for flexible tubes or the like.

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision of a closure and dispensing means for an outlet, which is an improvement over the means set forth and described in my United States patent application filed September 29, 1930, Serial No. 484,970, patented as No. 1,845,-

918; the provision of a combination of positive closing means and a dispensing means of theclass described which gives the user the choice of using the positive closing means with or without said dispensing means and vice versa. Another object is to provide a closure of this class which more ef-- will be exemplified in the structures hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of which will be indicatedin the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which are illustrated several of various possible embodi-' ments of the invention, A

Fig. l is a vertical sectional view of one modification of the invention showing a dispensing means joined-to an outletof a flexible tube;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but showing a dispensing means applied to a cap of the flexible tube; Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is aview showing a portion of the cap of Fig. 3 removed;

Figs. 5 to 11 are views similar to Fig. 2 smite:

ing other embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view illustrating various shapes of outlets of the dispensing means;

Fig. 13 is a. plan view of an alternative form of Fig. 14-is aside elevation of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a cross section of the tube with which the cap; of Figs. 13 and 14 is to be associated;

Fig. 16 is a cross section showing another form of the invention;

Fig. 17 is a cross section showing a self-straining form of the invention;

Fig. 1a is a view similar to Fig. 1': showing an the drawings.

As more particularly described in said prior stroke isfinished, the tip 15 may be applied to the brush to clean the tip, or if the tip is not applied to the brush, it may readily be held under a stream of running water or otherwise easily wiped off. The closing of the outlet ll of the tip l5 leaves an air-tight seal between theinterior and exterior of the tube.

' Thus the necessity of the ordinary type of screw cap is eliminated on flexible tubes 3 in instances where the tube 3' is not subjected to inadvertent exterior pressure which would cause unintentional exudation of material from the tube 3-. There are, however, certain users of material put up in such tubes 3 who at times would of necessity subject the tube 3 to inadvertent pressures. For instance, travelers in packing a tube 3 might subject it to pressures. In order to avoid the necessity of stores carrying different types of tubing 3 for such users, I have provided a combination of cap and dispensing means or tip 15 with which the use of the cap with or without the tip I 5 and vice versa, isat the option of the user. In .this way all customers are satisfied by the same combination. I have further found that various shapes in the slits of said tips l5 effect certain advantages;

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 1, there is illustrated at numeral l a topportion of a compressible or flexible tube 3. The tube '3 is provided with a closed seam 5 and is composed of lead or the like so that it maybe manually compressed, after having been filled, to exude material 2 therefrom. This class of tube is known and further description herein is unnecessary.

The top portion l of the tube 3 has an outlet 1. In this modification the outlet 1 is threaded both externally ;and internally. The internal 1 threads\threadably receive a nozzle II which comprises a bushing 13 formed from hard rubber, bakelite, or other suitable material. A diaphragm or dispensing means I 5, such as rubber, covers the outer end of said bushing. The nozzle It extends appreciably above the outlet to provide a grip to remove it from the outlet 1 by unthreading therefrom. The diaphragm l5 comprising the end of the bushing I3 has an outlet ll' cut therein which is preferablypreformed by entering a thin blade into the rubber. As

shown in Fig. 12 this outlet or slit I! may assume be understood that the cap 9 may be formed from hard rubber or bakelite rather than from metal.

Thus the cap 3 may be used as an ordinary screw cap in the'event that the user has a special reason for removing the nozzle II by threading it out of the outlet I. The user may prefer to use both the tip I5 and cap 9 together.

In the following modifications similar refer-- ence characters will be used toindicate parts which are similarto parts shown in Fig. 1.

A modified form .of the invention is shown in Fig. 2, wherein the outlet I is exteriorly threaded and provided with an interiorly threaded collar III of rigid material such as hard rubber or bakelite or the like. its top which is covered by a slitted, elastic diaphragm l5 which is similar to that described in connection with Fig. 1; Theslit of the diaphragm I5 is indicated at numeral II. The diaphragm I5 is Joined to the collar ll by a suitable adhesive or by vulcanizing it thereon. It forms an outer tip or closure for the collar. A thin metal or celluloid cover 2| is crimped on'the collar I and extends over the diaphragm I5. This cover 2| may also be formed of gelatin. The cover 2| positively seals the device by preventing the opening ll of the diaphragm I from exuding material. The assembly of the collar III, diaphragm I 5 and cover 2| constitute. a screw cap. However. by pulling zor pushing the cover 2| from the collar llby means of a handle or extension 23, the diaphragm I5 is exposed and may be forced open at slit II under pressure of the material within the tube 3, similar to the operation described in the modification shownin Fig. 1. It is to be noted that in Fig. 2, the outlet I has no nozzle :andthatthe collar limaybeusedasapositive seal and as an ordinary screw cap only while the cover 2| is in place thereon.

In the Fig. 3 modification, as in the Fig. 2 modification, the diaphragm I5 is joined to and forms the top of the collar III rather than-bein separately positioned in the outlet or nozzle I. Further, in this modification the collar ID has an annular groove l9 around the top, leaving a thin web of material 21 to hold an integral center plug 25 in place. Thus the collar II with the elements I5 and 25 per se isshipped intact, and may be used as an ordinary screw cap. If, however, the user desires to use the diaphragm I5 as hereinbeiore described, it is only necessary to apply pressure upon the rubber tip I5 whereby the plug 25 is broken out. The breakable web portion 21, retaining the plug 25, is thin enough to allow the plug 25 to be broken out with pressure of the fingers. Fig. 4 shows the plug 25 broken out, and the dotted line position of the diaphragm l5 shows how it is pushed down to push the plug 25 out.

. In the modification shown in Fig. 5, win Fig. 2 the diaphragm I5 is formed with the collar ll rather than being joined to the outlet I. In this modification, however, the collar I0 is. sealed for shipment, and for use as an ordinary screw cap by means of a plug 25 formed from cork or like material and held in position in the collar ID by Bf'the threads of the collar. The plug 23 thus positioned prevents the escape of any mate- The collar II has'an opening in that the rubber tip or diaphragm I5 may be used as a dispensing medium for the material in the tube 3. The plug 23 is removed by first removing the collar III and then punching the plug 29 out through the threaded portion of the collar III by means of an object pushed through the slit IT in the rubber tip or diaphragm I5. In the modifications as shown in Figs. 6 and aplug similar to the plug 28 of Fig. 571s used to seal the device during shipping and when the collar is used as an ordinary screw cap, but in these modifications the plugs 29, rather than being held at the top of the collars II by means of the threads of the collars, are held in place by extending flange portions of the collar I0 and plugs 29 which interlock with each other. As before, in order to remove the plugs 29 from the collars I0 an object is inserted through the slit II in the respective diaphragm |5 and the plugs 29 pushed from the collars III while the collars are removed from the outlets I. In Fig. 'I the plug 29 is shown as being formed from rubber, although it may be formed from cork or the like. The modification shown in Fig. 8 resembles the modification of Fig. 1, except for the fact that the bushing part |3 of the nozzle instead of being threaded to the outlet I is held in place by means of a flange 33. In this instance the nozzle 'I isinsei'ted in the outlet I prior to the filling of the-tube with material 2. Thebu'shing |3 has a tip I5 covering its upper end and joined thereto by a suitable adhesive or by vuleanizing it thereto.

The cap 9, as in the other modification, may be materials.

In the modifications of Figs. 9 and 10, the diaphragm is secured to the outlet I. The cap 9 may be used as desired, such as when the tubes 3 are shipped, or as when later the user .travels with the tubes 3 which are then subjected to pressures. The diiference between the modifications of'Figs. 9 and 10 is primarily in that in Fig. 9 the diaphragm is interiorly joined to the outlet I and in the Fig. 10 modification the diaphragm is exteriorly joined thereto.

In the modification shownin Fig. 11, the diaphragm I5 is securedto the outlet I by a key between flanges 35 .an'd-31-formed on the outlet I and the diaphragm l5 respectively. The rubber I, and is thus retained on the outlet l. The dia-- phragm l5 may be cemented to the outlet I, but if it is not cemented thereon it is easily removable in the. event the user does not elect to use it. Likewise the use of the cap 3 is optional with the user. 7

In Figs. 13 to 15 is shown a form of the invention in which the end of the tube has formed integrally thereover a thin, soft-metal diaphragm 4, which lies under the cap 0 (Figs. 13 and 14) when the cap is applied. The cap 5 is provided with a sideward lug 8 which is adapted to push through the diaphragm 4 and ream out the same.

up asit exudes from the tip l5. Such a preferable when the material-dispensed from the j tube 3 is desired in a globule rather than in a 1mg In Fig. 17 I show a cap l4 made entirely of soft rubber, the bottom of which has an inwardly projecting shoulder or bead I6 adapted to snap into a groove I8 of the nozzle 20 of the container. The nozzle 20 is preferably tapered as shown, for facilitating snapping on the nozzle M. The advantage of this construction is that the strains set up in the soft rubber of the nozzle l4 when it is snapped into place serve to tension the slots IT in a normal closed position so as to insure a definite cut-oil after flow of material ceases.

This samegeneral efiectmay be obtained by means of the structure shown in Fig. 18 wherein the rubber nozzle 22 has an edge 24 placed into a soft-metal groove 26 of the tube outlet. After the diaphragm 22 has been placed, an edge 28 of the groove 26 is spun inwardly to hold the tip 22, and, if desirable, to strain the same to provide the efiect above described.

In Fig. 19 I show the "form of the invention shown in Fig. 1'7 with a layer of soluble glue or adhesive 30 thereon, the same having been applied by dipping the tip in said glue. The result isa sealing of the slot ll during shipment.v When the consumer receives the package, it may be held under water and the glue wiped off before using. An example of a suitable adhesive is dextrin having a suitable preservative therein.

An advantage of the modification of Figs. 1 through 11 in general is that the customer using such a tube 3 has a choice as to whether or not he will use the device as an ordinary screw cap with or without the dispensing means l5 and H. Such a choice is of value to the retailer of a product who, in selling to many difierent customers. can always please the customers, those who would use the tube 3 without the means l5 and H in use and those who would use the tube 3 with diaphragm IS in use. The value of this is -well recognized and leads to more universal use.

Another specific advantage oifered by modifications of Figs. 1 and 11 is that a dispensing means I5, I! has been provided which may be nozzle 1 at the will of the user. Furthermore a cover as used in these modifications protects the tip Hi from any injury.

Regarding more special advantages offered by the modifications of Figs. 2 and 3, the combining of the diaphragm IS with the collar I 0 simplifies the whole structure and hence is adapted for use for less expensive products. Likewise, in the modifications of Figs. 5 through'7, the simplification has been obtained. It may 'also be noted that the cork plug 29 provides a highly effective seal for the outlet 1 when the cap 9 is screwed down tightly thereon. Hence, the modifications shown in Figs. 5 through 7 might be used for products which have the tendency to' seep. It is also noted that in the'modihas a suiiiciency of paste per unit length of strip. but also has a decorative quality that may be used to advantage if the paste 2 is a. food which is used to decorate other food dishes.

The slits shown at numerals l l -43 exude a strip .which has a curved cross section and which curls strip.

tion with the slit shown at numerals 43 andll.

At numeral 41 a slit is shown which has a wave shape cross section. The strip from thisslit l1 tends to form a helix as it comes out. Such a At numeral 45, Fig. 12, a slit is shown strip of dispensed material is, as in the case of the numeral 39 modification, adapted for'use in connection with decorative food pastes.

At numeral 49 a type oi slit is shown which exudes a strip having a triangular cross section, and which strip tends to the tip l5.

At numerals I6 is a W shaped slit and at I! a Z shaped slit. 1

v In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As many changes could be made in carrying out the above constructions without departing from the scope ofthe invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim: 1

1. A closure for an outlet, said closure comprising a collar formed from relatively rigid material and removably mounted on said outlet, and

phragm against pressure of material in said outlet, said last-named means being removable to permit the operation of said slit to dispense material from said outlet and a handleformed on said means adapted to enhance the removal of said means from said collar.

2. In a closure for .a receptacle having a threaded outlet, a threaded collar threaded to said outlet, a resilient diaphragm integrally fixed to the outer end of said collar and forminga closure therewith, said diaphragm having a slit therein forming an exit opening for material which is forced from the receptacle, a cover adapted to seal said diaphragm against pressure of material in said outlet, said cover being removable to permit the operation of said diaphragm to dispense material from the opening and having a springing engagement with the collar such that simple pushing and pulling movements of the user will result in permanent attachment and detachment of the cover.

3. In a closure for a receptacle having an outlet, a collar permanently fastened to said outlet,

a resilient diaphragm fixed on, the outer end 01' said collar and forming a closure therewith, said diaphragm having a slit therein forming an exit opening for material which is forced from the receptacle, a cover adapted to seal said diaphragm against pressure of material in said outlet, said collar having a groove. and said cover having means snappingin to'said groove whereby the cover is removable to vpermit the operation of said diaphragm to dispense material from the opening but is nonvremovable under pressure within the container;

, v OSCAR JANSSEN.

curl as it exudes from 

